Answer:
In many countries, laws result in people being treated differently, excluded from
essential services or being subject to undue restrictions on how they live their lives,
simply because of who they are. Such laws are discriminatory they deny human rights and
fundamental freedoms.
People may experience more than one form of discrimination. A person may experience
discrimination because of his or her health status and because of his or her race, gender
identity or sexual orientation, compounding the effects on the individual and the wider
community.
Laws such as laws on sex work, same sex sexual relations, the use or possession of
drugs for personal use and the non disclosure, exposure or transmission of HIV may
discriminate by criminalizing conduct or identity.
Other laws may prevent people from accessing benefits or services. Girls may not be
allowed to go to school if they are pregnant or women may not be able to access financial
services without their husband’s permission. Laws may also impose parental consent for
adolescents to access health services or restrict the entry, stay and residence of people
living with HIV.
